EP2875868B1 - Recirculating bath - Google Patents
Recirculating bath Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2875868B1 EP2875868B1 EP14193761.5A EP14193761A EP2875868B1 EP 2875868 B1 EP2875868 B1 EP 2875868B1 EP 14193761 A EP14193761 A EP 14193761A EP 2875868 B1 EP2875868 B1 EP 2875868B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- recirculating
- working liquid
- chamber
- reservoir
- lid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24H9/2007—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters
- F24H9/2014—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using electrical energy supply
- F24H9/2021—Storage heaters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L7/00—Heating or cooling apparatus; Heat insulating devices
- B01L7/02—Water baths; Sand baths; Air baths
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/212—Temperature of the water
- F24H15/223—Temperature of the water in the water storage tank
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/246—Water level
- F24H15/248—Water level of water storage tanks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/281—Input from user
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/355—Control of heat-generating means in heaters
- F24H15/37—Control of heat-generating means in heaters of electric heaters
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/395—Information to users, e.g. alarms
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/40—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers
- F24H15/414—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based
- F24H15/421—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based using pre-stored data
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/02—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
- F25D31/005—Combined cooling and heating devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/14—Process control and prevention of errors
- B01L2200/143—Quality control, feedback systems
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
- B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
- B01L2300/043—Hinged closures
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- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
- B01L2300/1805—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks
- B01L2300/1822—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks using Peltier elements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
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- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
- B01L2300/1805—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks
- B01L2300/1827—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks using resistive heater
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
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- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
- B01L2300/1838—Means for temperature control using fluid heat transfer medium
- B01L2300/1844—Means for temperature control using fluid heat transfer medium using fans
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
- B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
- B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
- F24H1/0018—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters using electric energy supply
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
- F24H1/54—Water heaters for bathtubs or pools; Water heaters for reheating the water in bathtubs or pools
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
- F24H15/174—Supplying heated water with desired temperature or desired range of temperature
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H2250/00—Electrical heat generating means
- F24H2250/06—Peltier
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H4/00—Fluid heaters characterised by the use of heat pumps
- F24H4/02—Water heaters
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
- Y02B30/12—Hot water central heating systems using heat pumps
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
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- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/6416—With heating or cooling of the system
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
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- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/85954—Closed circulating system
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/85978—With pump
- Y10T137/86035—Combined with fluid receiver
Description
- The present invention relates generally to recirculating baths and, more particularly, to recirculating baths having an improved work area for use in a laboratory environment.
- Recirculating baths are used in laboratory settings for providing a controlled temperature working liquid, such as water, in a reservoir. The end user may utilize the recirculating bath by placing their application in the reservoir or by recirculating the working liquid between the reservoir and an external application. Conventional recirculating bath applications include placing beakers or other containers in the bath reservoir, or work area, and controlling the temperature of an external jacketed vessel. To control the temperature of the working liquid, the recirculating bath moves the liquid past heating or cooling elements located in the bath reservoir so as to achieve a uniform desired temperature.
- Conventional recirculating baths include a base unit and a head unit. The base unit includes the reservoir and a cooling unit having a cooling element located in the reservoir. The cooling element enables the cooling unit to remove heat from the working liquid. A work area cover, or lid, may be provided on top of the base unit that provides access to the work area of the reservoir. Conventional head units include an immersion pump for recirculating the working liquid, and an immersion heater for providing heat to the working liquid. The head unit also includes a human machine interface (HMI) that allows the user to program the head unit to maintain the working liquid at a desired temperature, and to otherwise operate the recirculating bath.
- In operation, the head unit sits on top of the base unit so that the immersion heater and immersion pump project downward into the reservoir through an opening in the top of the base unit. This orientation locates the heating element of the immersion heater and the immersion pump in the working liquid. The head unit may thereby control the temperature of and circulate the working liquid. The HMI of the head unit projects upward from the base unit to provide access to the user and enable the user to control operation of the recirculating bath.
- Conventional head units take up space on the top of the base unit and restrict access to the reservoir. The immersion pump, immersion heater, and cooling elements also occupy space in the bath reservoir, thereby restricting the size and utility of the reservoir work area. The heating and cooling elements may also overheat or over-cool samples that inadvertently come into contact with the elements, are difficult to keep clean, and can cross-contaminate working liquids in different base units or between different lab applications.
- Thus, there is a need for improved recirculating baths that have increased utility and reduced maintenance.
US3,370,454 relates to a constant temperature bath in which one or more open top tanks are provided using a single open flow system.US3,301,318 concerns a system for stabilising the temperature of a bath.US4,955,402 describes a constant temperature bath system including a weir.US5,056,552 relates to a chemical bath for immersing articles in a recirculating flow of hot liquid.WO91/07550 - The present invention overcomes the foregoing problems and other shortcomings, drawbacks, and challenges of recirculating baths.
- The present invention is directed at a recirculating bath comprising a reservoir including an interior surface that defines a first space configured to receive a working liquid; a thermal element located externally to the first space and thermally coupled to the working liquid to transfer heat between the working liquid and the thermal element; and a recirculating pump located externally to the first space and fluidically coupled to the first space to circulate the working liquid through the first space, wherein the reservoir includes a partition that defines a first chamber and a second chamber within the first space, the second chamber being fluidically coupled to the first chamber, the first chamber defining a work area of the reservoir, and the recirculating pump including a first inlet and a first outlet, with the first outlet fluidically coupled to the first chamber by the second chamber. According to the invention, the first inlet is also fluidically coupled to the first chamber by the second chamber.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, the thermal element may be thermally coupled to the working liquid by the interior surface of the reservoir. The thermal element may also be an evaporator coil.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, the recirculating bath may further include a chamber fluidically coupled to the first space by the recirculating pump so that working liquid circulated through the reservoir by the pump passes through the chamber. The chamber may be external to the reservoir, and may enclose at least a portion of the thermal element. The thermal element may also be a heating element.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, the recirculating bath may further include a cooling unit including a compressor and an evaporator, and the thermal element may comprise at least a portion of the evaporator. The reservoir may include a first shell and a second shell. The second shell may be disposed within the first shell to define a second space between the first and second shells, and at least a portion of the evaporator coil may be located in the second space.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, the recirculating bath may further include a controller operatively coupled to the thermal element and recirculating pump, and a human machine interface operatively coupled to the controller. The human machine interface may be configured to transmit instructions received from the user to the controller and display information received from the controller to the user. The recirculating bath may also include a housing configured to accommodate the reservoir, thermal element, recirculating pump, controller, and human machine interface. The housing may include a top surface that provides access to the first space that is unobstructed by the thermal element, recirculating pump, controller, or human machine interface.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, the recirculating bath may include a lid that provides access to at least a portion of the first space. The lid may be selectively coupled to the recirculating bath by a hinge having a latched state that pivotally couples the lid to the recirculating bath, and an unlatched state that decouples the lid from the recirculating bath. The lid may also be configured to have an open position that provides a horizontal working surface adjacent to an opening in the reservoir.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, a recirculating bath includes a reservoir having an interior surface that defines a space configured to receive a working liquid, and a recirculating pump configured to circulate the working liquid through the space. The recirculating bath may further include a manifold comprising an inlet configured to receive the working liquid from the recirculating pump, an outlet configured to discharge the working liquid into the first space, and a hollow body fluidically coupling the inlet to the first outlet.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, the outlet of the manifold comprises a plurality of apertures in the hollow body, each aperture configured to discharge a portion of the working liquid received by the inlet into the space.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with a general description of the present invention given above, and the detailed description of the present invention given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recirculating bath, including a housing and a lid covering a work area of a reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recirculating bath ofFIG. 1 with the housing made transparent to show details of the reservoir and a cooling unit of the recirculating bath in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the recirculating bath ofFIG. 2 with the reservoir depicted by ghost lines to show additional details of the cooling unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the recirculating bath inFIG. 3 with the cooling unit removed to show details of a heater and a recirculating pump in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing details of an inner shell of the reservoir. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the reservoir, heater, recirculating pump, cooling unit, and a controller of the recirculating bath in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the lid ofFIG. 1 illustrating a selector for latching and unlatching hinges of the lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the lid ofFIG. 7 illustrating a linkage coupling the selector to the hinges in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the lid ofFIG. 8 illustrating a linkage coupling the selector to the hinges in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a cutaway view of the lid ofFIGS. 7 and8 illustrating the selector and linkage in a position that unlatches the hinges in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the lid ofFIG. 9 illustrating the selector and linkage in a position that unlatches the hinges in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of the lid ofFIGS. 7-9 with the lid reversed and illustrating the selector and linkage in a position that latches the hinges in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the recirculating bath ofFIG. 1 with the lid in an open position that provides a staging area adjacent to the work area of the reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a hinge, including a keeper and a post in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a front cutaway view of the keeper ofFIG. 12 illustrating a cam and sear in an unlatched position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is a front cutaway view of the hinge ofFIGS. 12 and13 illustrating the keeper engaging the post with the cam and sear in a latched position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the recirculating bath inFIG. 3 with the cooling unit removed to show details of a manifold and a partition in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the recirculating bath inFIG. 15 showing the manifold located in an operating position. - Embodiments of the present invention provide a recirculating bath for laboratory applications having an unobstructed top and reservoir work area. To this end, heating and cooling elements and the recirculating pump are located externally to the reservoir. Embodiments of the present invention thereby offer a larger work area in the reservoir, are easier to clean, and allow the recirculating bath to work with lower working liquid levels than conventional baths lacking these features. Eliminating the need for a head unit may also provide an unobstructed top surface on the recirculating bath, enabling implementation of a hinged removable lid that provides a staging area next to the reservoir.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , and in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, arecirculating bath 10 includes ahousing 12 having atop surface 14. Thetop surface 14 includes a work area cover, orlid 16, that provides access to a work area, such as a reservoir 18 (FIG. 2 ) of recirculatingbath 10, which is described in greater detail below. Thelid 16 may include atop surface 15 and a gripping portion or handle 20 to facilitate opening and/or removing thelid 16 from the recirculatingbath 10. Thehandle 20 may be thermally isolated from the rest of thelid 16 to prevent thehandle 20 from becoming too hot or too cold to be handled by the user. The recirculatingbath 10 may further include a human machine interface (HMI) 22 on afront side 24 of thehousing 12 having adisplay 23. In a preferred embodiment, thedisplay 23 may comprise a touch screen that enables the user to enter data and control operation of therecirculating bath 10 in a known manner. Embodiments of the present invention may also include other suitable data entry devices, such as akeypad 25. Embodiments of the present invention are therefore not limited torecirculating baths 10 that include a touchscreen. Thehousing 12 may also include a plurality ofopenings 26 that allows air to reach components enclosed by thehousing 12. - The
lid 16 may further include a plurality ofhinges 28 that couple thelid 16 to thehousing 12. Aselector 30 having a "latched" position and an "unlatched" position may be located on thelid 16 and coupled to thehinges 28. Theselector 30 may enable the user to select whether the hinges are latched or unlatched. In the latched condition, thehinges 28 may be configured to locate thelid 16 in a pivoting relationship with thehousing 12 so that thelid 16 may be opened by pivoting thelid 16 about an axis defined by thehinges 28. In the unlatched position, thehinges 28 may be configured to release thelid 16 from thehousing 12 so that thelid 16 can be removed. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-4 , the recirculatingbath 10 is illustrated in a perspective view with thehousing 12 indicated by ghost lines to show thereservoir 18, a coolingunit 32, a heater 34 (FIG. 4 ), acontroller 36, and arecirculating pump 38. Thereservoir 18 may include aninner shell 40 and anouter shell 42. The inner andouter shells outer shells space 43 between theshells evaporator coil 44. Theouter shell 42 may also protect and retain insulation (not shown) provided in thespace 43. For example, expanded foam may be introduced in thespace 43 to reduce the transfer of heat between theinner shell 40 and theouter shell 42. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the thermal element may be embedded in theinner shell 40, or affixed to anouter surface 46 of theinner shell 40, in which case theouter shell 42 may be omitted. Theinner shell 40 may also include one or more channels that provide a space for, or form a part of, theevaporator coil 44. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , an exemplary embodiment of thereservoir 18 is illustrated in which theinner shell 40 includes achannel 47. Thechannel 47 may, for example, be hydraulically or mechanically formed in theinner shell 40. Thechannel 47 may create a space for theevaporator coil 44, or may form a part of theevaporator coil 44. For embodiments in which thechannel 47 provides a space for the evaporator coil, theevaporator coil 44 may be located in thechannel 47 such that theevaporator coil 44 is in thermal contact with theinner shell 40. In an alternative embodiment, thechannel 47 may form a part or substantially all of theevaporator coil 44, in which case a suitable refrigerant, such as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), may be provided directly to thechannel 47. - In an embodiment of the present invention, the
channels 47 may produce a quilted appearance on aninner surface 48 ofinner shell 40. Channels configured to receive theevaporator coil 44 may also be machined into theouter surface 46 ofinner shell 40, which may produce a flatinner surface 48 ofinner shell 40. The machined channels could be capped with a suitable material after receiving theevaporator coil 44 to protect theevaporator coil 44 from the environment, and to provide improved thermal coupling between theinner shell 40 and theevaporator coil 44. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 2-4 , theinner surface 48 ofinner shell 40 defines a working space for receiving a working liquid 49 (FIG. 6 ), such as water, brine, ethylene glycol and water, propylene glycol and water, silicone oil, or any other suitable working liquid. Theinner shell 40 also includes a weir orpartition 50 that defines aprimary chamber 52 and asecondary chamber 54. Theprimary chamber 52 is configured to accept laboratory specimens, thereby providing the working space ofreservoir 18. Thesecondary chamber 54 is fluidically coupled to theprimary chamber 52 through one or more openings 55 (FIG. 6 ) or apertures 158 (FIG. 15 ) in thepartition 50 that allows the workingliquid 49 to pass between thechambers - As best shown in
FIG. 4 , theheater 34 may include aheating element 56 located in athermal chamber 58. Thethermal chamber 58 may be located externally to thereservoir 18, such as below theinner shell 40 as depicted inFIG. 4 . Thethermal chamber 58 may be fluidically coupled to thesecondary chamber 54 and therecirculating pump 38. Therecirculating pump 38 thereby causes the workingliquid 49 to be drawn from thesecondary chamber 54 through aninlet 60, passed through thethermal chamber 58, and returned to thesecondary chamber 54 through anoutlet 62. Although therecirculating pump 38 is shown as drawing workingliquid 49 from the reservoir and expelling the workingliquid 49 into theheater 34, a person having ordinary skill in the art would understand that the relative positions of therecirculating pump 38 andheater 34 could be reversed. - The recirculating
bath 10 may also include anexternal inlet connection 63 and an external outlet connection 65 (FIG. 6 ), each of which may be accessible from outside thehousing 12 for connecting an external application (not shown). In embodiments including the external inlet andoutlet connections thermal chamber 58 may be fluidically coupled to thesecondary chamber 54 by a restriction device 66 (FIG. 6 ), as is described in more detail below. - As the working
liquid 49 passes through thethermal chamber 58, the working liquid may absorb heat from theheating element 56. The temperature of the workingliquid 49 may be increased in a controlled manner by adjusting an amount of energy provided to theheating element 56. For example, theheating element 56 may be selectively coupled to a source of electrical energy by thecontroller 36 using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). In this exemplary embodiment, the amount of thermal energy provided to the workingliquid 49 may be controlled by adjusting the PWM duty cycle. The temperature of the workingliquid 49 in thereservoir 18 may thereby be controlled by selectively activating theheating element 56 and/orrecirculating pump 38. - As best shown in
FIG. 3 , theexemplary cooling unit 32 may include theaforementioned evaporator coil 44, acompressor 64, acondenser 68, and a drier 70. The coolingunit 32 may also include an expansion device (not shown) such as a stepper valve or other suitable metering device that lowers the line pressure between thecondenser 68 andevaporator coil 44. One or more coolingfans 72 may be configured to circulate air over thecondenser 68 to remove heat produced by the coolingunit 32. In operation, a suitable refrigerant, such as the aforementioned HFC, may be circulated through the components of the coolingunit 32 by thecompressor 64 in a known manner to remove heat from theinner shell 40. Theinner shell 40, in turn, may absorb heat from the workingliquid 49 and conduct this heat to theevaporator coil 44, thereby reducing the temperature of the workingliquid 49. The amount of heat removed from the workingliquid 49 may be controlled by, for example, cycling thecompressor 64 on and off. The temperature of the workingliquid 49 in thereservoir 18 may thereby be controlled by selectively activating the coolingunit 32 in a similar manner as described above with respect to activation of theheating element 56. - Although the
cooling unit 32 is described above as a heat pump that transfers thermal energy using compression and expansion of a suitable refrigerant, persons having skill in the art will understand that other devices may also be used to remove heat from the workingliquid 49. For example, the coolingunit 32 may include a thermoelectric cooling device thermally coupled to theinner surface 48 ofinner shell 40. Examples of thermoelectric devices include solid state devices that use the Peltier effect to transfer heat across a junction between two different types of materials. Embodiments of the present invention are therefore not limited torecirculating baths 10 having a coolingunit 32 that includes a heat pump. - As best shown in
FIGS. 6 and11 , theprimary chamber 52 may be configured to receive laboratory specimens or otherwise provide the user access to the workingliquid 49 through anopening 74 in thetop surface 14 ofhousing 12. By locating theinlet 60 and theoutlet 62 in thesecondary chamber 54, thesecondary chamber 54 is configured to provide a buffer between the workingliquid 49 being returned by therecirculating pump 38, and the workingliquid 49 in theprimary chamber 52. Thesecondary chamber 54 also prevents specimens from interfering with the uptake of workingliquid 49 by therecirculating pump 38, as well as provide a protected area within thereservoir 18 for locating sensitive system components, such as working liquid level and temperature sensors. - Advantageously, by eliminating the need for a head unit, embodiments of the present invention enable the
top surface 14 ofhousing 12 to provide an unobstructed work area. That is, the user may access the work area ofreservoir 18 from any side of therecirculating bath 10 without being obstructed by components, such as theHMI 22, or portions of the coolingunit 32,heater 34, andrecirculating pump 38. The lack of obstructions on thetop surface 14 ofhousing 12 and in thereservoir 18 may also increase the usable working space for a given footprint of therecirculating bath 10. Efficient space utilization in labs and laboratory equipment is desirable due to the high cost of laboratory space. Thus, the additional work area provided by embodiments of the present invention may increase the utility of therecirculating bath 10 as compared to conventional baths that lack the unobstructed top surface feature. The unobstructedtop surface 14 ofhousing 12 may also accommodate alarger lid 16 andopening 74, improving access to the work area ofreservoir 18. Eliminating the need for a head unit may also reduce potential hazards to the user caused by reaching over extremely hot or cold workingliquid 49 in order to access the HMI of the head unit. The unique configuration of theheater 34, recirculatingpump 38, andevaporator coil 44 with respect to thereservoir 18 may also enable therecirculating bath 10 to continue to function at very low liquid levels. - Embodiments of the present invention do not require thermal elements, such as the
evaporator coil 44 or theheating element 56, to be located in thereservoir 18. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide increased reservoir capacity as compared to conventional baths that require thermal elements and immersion pumps to be located in thereservoir 18. Removing these components from thereservoir 18 may also facilitate cleaning of thereservoir 18, since there is no need to remove a head unit to access the entire reservoir. In addition, the presence of the evaporator coil in the reservoir of a conventional circulator bath can make it difficult to clean the reservoir, and may result in damage to the evaporator coil. By removing the thermal elements from the working space, embodiments of the present invention may reduce the likelihood of damaging these components while cleaning thereservoir 18. Embodiments of the present invention may also reduce cross-contamination from inadequate cleaning due to the thermal elements getting in the way while cleaning thereservoir 18. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrates thecontroller 36 operatively coupled to theheater 34, therecirculating pump 38, thecompressor 64, coolingfans 72, alevel sensor 76, and atemperature sensor 77. The level andtemperature sensors secondary chamber 54. Thelevel sensor 76 may comprise at least onefloat 79 laterally located by aguide rod 81. Thefloat 79 may be buoyant in the workingliquid 49 so that thefloat 79 moves vertically along theguide rod 81 in response to changes in the level of the workingliquid 49. Thelevel sensor 76 may sense the position of thefloat 79, and provide a signal to thecontroller 36 indicative of the level of the workingliquid 49 in thereservoir 18 based on the sensed position. Thecontroller 36 may thereby determine if therecirculating bath 10 has sufficient workingliquid 49 for operation. - In response to the
controller 36 determining that there is not a sufficient amount of workingliquid 49, thecontroller 36 may shut off the recirculating bath and/or generate an alarm that alerts the user. Although depicted as located in the secondary chamber, thetemperature sensor 77 may be located in any suitable location that enables thetemperature sensor 77 to sense the temperature of the workingliquid 49. Thetemperature sensor 77 may provide a signal indicative of the temperature of the workingliquid 49 to thecontroller 36. Thecontroller 36 may, in turn, use this signal to control the temperature of the workingliquid 49. - When used without an external application, the external inlet and
outlet connections liquid 49 passes through therestriction device 66 to complete the recirculation circuit. To this end, the external inlet andoutlet connections outlet connections recirculating pump 38 by uncapping the external inlet andoutlet connections outlet connections - The
restriction device 66 may provide a desired amount of resistance to the flow of the workingliquid 49 using, for example, an orifice having a fixed diameter. Therestriction device 66 may also include a valve that allows the user to add a selective amount of resistance or even shut off flow through therestriction device 66. In any case, therestriction device 66 may provide sufficient resistance to the flow of the workingliquid 49 so that, when coupled to the external application, at least a portion of the workingliquid 49 flows out of theexternal outlet connection 65, through the external application, and back into theexternal inlet connection 63. The external inlet andoutlet connections housing 12, to facilitate coupling external applications to recirculatingbath 10. - The
controller 36 may include theHMI 22, aprocessor 78, amemory 80, and an input/output (I/O)interface 82. Theprocessor 78 may include one or more devices selected from microprocessors, micro-controllers, digital signal processors, microcomputers, central processing units, field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits, or any other devices that manipulate signals (analog or digital) based on operational instructions that are stored in thememory 80.Memory 80 may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), flash memory, cache memory, or any other device capable of storing digital information.Memory 80 may also include a mass storage device (not shown), such as a hard drive, optical drive, tape drive, non-volatile solid state device or any other device capable of storing digital information. -
Processor 78 may execute program code embodied as one or more computer software applications, such as acontroller application 84 residing inmemory 80. Thecontroller application 84 may be configured to cause thecontroller 36 to operate the recirculating bath in a desired manner based on input received from theHMI 22 and/or programming instructions stored inmemory 80. The I/O interface 82 operatively couples theprocessor 78 to other components of therecirculating bath 10, such as theheater 34, recirculatingpump 38,compressor 64, coolingfans 72,level sensor 76, andtemperature sensor 77. - The I/
O interface 82 may include signal processing circuits that condition incoming and outgoing signals so that the signals are compatible with both theprocessor 78 and the components to which theprocessor 78 is coupled. To this end, the I/O interface 82 may include analog to digital (A/D) and/or digital to analog (D/A) converters, voltage level and/or frequency shifting circuits, optical isolation and/or driver circuits, and/or any other analog or digital circuitry suitable for coupling theprocessor 78 to the other components of therecirculating bath 10. - The
HMI 22 may be operatively coupled to theprocessor 78 ofcontroller 36 in a known manner to allow the user to interact with thecontroller 36. To this end, theHMI 22 may include output devices, such as thedisplay 23, a touch screen, a speaker, and other audio and visual indicators. TheHMI 22 may also include input devices and controls, such as the touch screen, thekeypad 25, an alphanumeric keyboard, a pointing device, pushbuttons, control knobs, microphones, etc., capable of accepting commands or input from the user and transmitting the entered input to theprocessor 78. - The
controller application 84 may be configured to receive user input from theHMI 22, such as input indicating a desired temperature of the working liquid. Thecontroller application 84 may compare this desired temperature to the actual temperature of the workingliquid 49, which may be determined from the signal provided by thetemperature sensor 77. The difference in temperature between the desired temperature and the actual temperature may generate an error signal. Thecontroller application 84 may process this error signal using a suitable control algorithm, such as a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) or thermostatic algorithm, to determine if one or more of theheater 34, recirculatingpump 38, orcompressor 64 of coolingunit 32 should be activated. Thecontroller application 84 may thereby control the temperature of the workingliquid 49. In an embodiment of the present invention, thetemperature sensor 77 may be located near theexternal inlet connection 63 orexternal outlet connection 65 so that thecontroller application 84 adjusts the temperature of the workingliquid 49 based on the temperature of the workingliquid 49 being provided to, or received from, the external application. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , a top view illustrating additional details of thelid 16 is presented. Thelid 16 may include aconcavity 86 below thehandle 20 to provide room for the user's fingers when gripping thehandle 20. In the illustrated embodiment, thehinges 28 are shown as being located on one side of thelid 16 so that thelid 16 may be opened with a pivoting motion by pulling on thehandle 20 without unlatching thelid 16. However, as discussed below, embodiments of the present invention may includelids 16 that have hinges 28 on opposing sides so that thelid 16 can be latched in a closed position. In any case, the pivoting motion provided by thehinges 28 may be such that workingliquid 49 which has condensed on a bottom surface 112 (FIG. 11 ) of thelid 16 drains back into thereservoir 18 when thelid 16 is opened. - While in use with an external application, the
lid 16 may be closed and/or latched to prevent users from inadvertently placing samples into thereservoir 18. Maintaining thelid 16 in a closed position may also prevent users from inadvertently adding workingliquid 49 while an experiment is underway, thereby changing the temperature of the workingliquid 49 in an undesirable manner. - Referring now to
FIGS. 8-10 , cutaway and perspective views of thelid 16 illustrate operation of thehinges 28 in an embodiment of the present invention. Eachhinge 28 may include akeeper more posts 90 that project upward from thetop surface 14 ofhousing 12. To this end, eachkeeper vertical holes 92 configured to receive theposts 90, and ahorizontal guide hole 94 oriented along the pivot axis ofcorresponding hinge 28. Eachpost 90 may likewise include ahorizontal guide hole 96 that is aligned with the pivot axis ofcorresponding hinge 28 when thepost 90 is engaged with thecorresponding keeper posts 90 may be located in proximity to theopening 74 ofreservoir 18 so that thelid 16 is positioned over theopening 74 when thekeepers posts 90. - The
lid 16 may further include alinkage 98 that couples theselector 30 to thehinges 28. Thelinkage 98 may include amiddle section 100 that couples anupper section 102 oflinkage 98 to alower section 104 oflinkage 98. Theupper section 102 may have a U-shape that aligns anend portion 106 ofupper section 102 with theguide hole 94 ofcorresponding keeper 88a. Thelower section 104 may include a lateral offset 108 that aligns anend portion 110 oflower section 104 with theguide hole 94 of correspondingkeeper 88b. - As best shown in
FIGS. 8 and8A , when theselector 30 is in the latched position, theend portions linkage 98 may engage the horizontal guide holes 94, 96 ofkeepers posts 90, respectively. Theend portions keepers posts 90 to form hinges 28 when theselector 30 is in the latched position. - As best shown in
FIGS. 9 and9A , in response to moving theselector 30 from the latched position to the unlatched position (as indicated byarrow 111 ofFIG. 8 ), theend portions linkage 98 may disengage from the horizontal guide holes 96 ofposts 90. In this unlatched state, thekeepers posts 90, allowing thelid 16 to be removed from the recirculatingbath 10. As best shown inFIG. 10 , thelid 16 may be rotated so that thekeepers posts 90 on the other side of theopening 74 ofreservoir 18. Thus, thelid 16 may be configured to pivotally open in either of two horizontally offset axes depending on user preferences. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, thelid 16 may include theselector 30,keepers linkages 98 on two opposing sides of thelid 16. This alternative configuration may allow thelid 16 to be latched on two sides so that thelid 16 is positively held in place by thehinges 28. That is, thelid 16 could be latched on both sides so that thelid 16 may not be opened unless one side is first unlatched. Thelid 16 could then be opened by unlatching one side of thelid 16 and pivoting thelid 16 about the latched axis, or by unlatching both sides and removing thelid 16. - Although the
lid 16 is depicted herein as having a generally oblong rectangular shape with thehinges 28 located on one or more of the long sides of thelid 16, it is contemplated that thelid 16 could have hinges 28 located on one or more of the short sides. It is further contemplated that thelid 16 could have shapes other than shown, such as a square, a shape with more or less than four sides, and/or a shape having curved sides. In addition, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, theposts 90 may be included on just one side of theopening 74, in which case thelid 16 would be limited to opening about a single pivot axis on one side of thereservoir 18. The hinges 28 could also include another latched state in which thelid 16 is fixedly latched. That is, in this fixedly latched state, thehinges 28 would be prevented from pivoting about the latched axis. This would allow, for example, thelid 16 to be latched in a partially open position. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 , in an embodiment of the present invention, thetop surface 14 ofhousing 12, thelid 16, and thehinges 28 may be configured so that thelid 16 can be pivoted approximately 180 degrees. In this fully open position, a portion of thetop surface 15 oflid 16 may come into contact with thetop surface 14 ofhousing 12 so that thelid 16 is held in a generally horizontal position as depicted inFIG. 11 . The underside orbottom surface 112 oflid 16 may thereby provide a working surface in the fully open position. Advantageously, this working surface may provide a convenient place for staging specimens that are being placed in or removed from thereservoir 18, such as theexemplary beaker 114. This configuration may also allow workingliquid 49 that accumulates on the working surface, such as from samples recently removed from thereservoir 18 or condensation, to run back into thereservoir 18 as the lid is tilted from the fully open position back to the closed position. - Advantageously, by allowing the lid to pivot into the fully open position, embodiments of the present invention may eliminate the need for the user to find a surface on which to place the
lid 16 while accessing the work area ofreservoir 18. This feature may reduce the chance of contamination, and prevent working liquid from being undesirably deposited on lab surfaces as a result of condensation on the bottom of thelid 16. In addition, in embodiments having areversible lid 16, the user may configure therecirculating bath 10 to accommodate their laboratory workspace. The latching hinges 28 may also enable the lid to be removed without tools, increasing the convenience and utility of therecirculating bath 10. - Referring now to
FIGS. 12-14 , in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, thehinges 28 may comprise one ormore keepers 120 affixed to thelid 16, and one ormore posts 122 affixed to thetop surface 14 ofhousing 12. Each of theposts 122 may include aball 124 that projects outward from acolumn 126. Although in the exemplary embodiment, theball 124 is depicted as a generally spherical member that projects outward laterally from thecolumn 126, persons having ordinary skill in the art will understand that theball 124 may have other shapes, such as ellipsoid or cylindrical shapes, and that theball 124 may also project outward vertically, or reside within thecolumn 126. Embodiments of the present invention are therefore not limited to the depicted configuration. - As best shown in
FIGS. 13 and14 , thekeeper 120 may include acavity 128 configured to receive theball 124, and acam 130 having anupper tine 131 and alower tine 133. Thecam 130 may be pivotally coupled to thekeeper 120 at apivot point 132. Thekeeper 120 may further include a sear 134 pivotally coupled to thekeeper 120 at apivot point 136, and aspring 138 that provides tension between acoupling point 140 on thekeeper 120 and acoupling point 142 on thecam 130. Thespring 138 may thereby urge thecam 130 against the sear 134. The sear 134 may also be coupled to alinkage 144 at apivot point 146. Thelinkage 144 may thereby couple the sear 134 to theselector 30 or some other suitable mechanism for selecting the state of thehinge 28. - As best shown in
FIG. 13 , in response to thelinkage 144 being in a withdrawn or "unlatched" position, the sear 134 may be pivoted upward, releasing thecam 130. In the unlatched state shown, thecam 130 may be oriented so that the upper andlower tines ball 124, allowing thekeeper 120 to be separated from thepost 122. As best shown inFIG. 14 , in response to thekeeper 120 being urged into engagement with thepost 122, thecam 130 may rotate about thepivot point 132 so that the upper andlower tines ball 124. The rotation of thecam 130 may also cause the sear 134 to rotate about thepivot point 136, urging thelinkage 144 into an extended or "latched" position. While thelinkage 144 is in this extended position, the sear 134 may lock thecam 130 in place. Thecam 130 andball 124 may be configured so that in the locked position, the upper andlower tines keeper 120 about theball 124, but locate thekeeper 120 laterally with respect to thepost 122 so that thelid 16 is hingedly coupled to thehousing 12. - Referring now to
FIGS. 15 and16 , an exemplary embodiment of therecirculating bath 10 is illustrated in an exploded perspective view (FIG. 15 ) and a partially assembled view (FIG. 16 ) showing the weir orpartition 50, a plurality (e.g., two)guide rods 81, and amanifold 150. Thepartition 50 may comprise avertical section 152 configured to separate theprimary chamber 52 from thesecondary chamber 54, ahorizontal section 154 that spaces thevertical section 152 from theinner shell 40, and atab 155 configured to engage one ormore clips 156. Thevertical section 152 ofpartition 50 may include one ormore apertures 158 that allow workingliquid 49 to flow between theprimary chamber 52 and thesecondary chamber 54. The configuration, number, and placement of theapertures 158 may be varied in order to adjust how the workingliquid 49 flows between the primary andsecondary chambers partitions 50 having the configuration of theapertures 158 depicted inFIG. 15 . - The
clips 156 may include alower portion 159 that is attached to theinner shell 40, such as by spot welding, and anupper portion 160 that is horizontally offset from thelower portion 159. Theclips 156 may be configured so that when thelower portion 159 is attached to theinner shell 40, agap 161 is defined between theupper portion 160 of theclip 156 and theinner shell 40. Theclip 156 may be further configured so that thegap 161 has a sufficient width to receive thetab 155 ofpartition 50. Theclips 156 may thereby be configured to locate thepartition 50 relative to theinner shell 40 by engaging thetab 155 when thepartition 50 is installed in therecirculating bath 10. - Each
guide rod 81 may include a threadedhole 162 located in the top of theguide rod 81, and thepartition 50 may include one ormore apertures 164 in thehorizontal section 154. Thepartition 50 may be configured so that each of theapertures 164 in thehorizontal section 154 aligns with a corresponding one of the threadedholes 162 in theguide rods 81 when thetab 155 is engaged with theclips 156. The threadedholes 162 andapertures 164 may thereby enable thepartition 50 to be secured to theguide rods 81 byscrews 166 or other suitable fasteners. - According to one embodiment, the manifold 150 may comprise an elongated
hollow body 168 coupled to aninlet coupling 170. The elongatedhollow body 168 may be formed from a tube or other suitable elongated body, and may include one ormore apertures 172 forming anoutlet 174. The elongatedhollow body 168 may be closed at anend 169 remote from theinlet coupling 170, and include a bend between theinlet coupling 170 and theoutlet 174 to orient theoutlet 174 at a desired angle within thereservoir 18. The bend may be, for example, a 90 degree mandrel bend so that a portion of the elongatedhollow body 168 is oriented parallel to the side of theinner shell 40 including theoutlet 62. - The
outlet 174 ofmanifold 150 may be configured to discharge workingliquid 49 from the manifold 150 into thereservoir 18. To this end, theoutlet 174 may comprise a plurality ofapertures 172 in a linear arrangement as depicted in the exemplary embodiment shown. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, theoutlet 174 may comprise one ormore apertures 172 having circular shapes, elongated shapes such as ovals or slots, or any other suitable shape. Theoutlet 174 may also comprise asingle aperture 172, such as an elongated slot running lengthwise on the elongatedhollow body 168, for example. Theapertures 172 may also be arranged in patterns other than the linear arrangement shown inFIG. 15 , and may include nozzles or other passages of varying cross sectional area for directing or modifying the flow of the workingliquid 49 from themanifold 150. Theoutlet 174 may thereby be configured to control the flow of the workingliquid 49 from the manifold 150 to obtain a desired flow characteristic or circulation in thereservoir 18. - The manifold 150 may further comprise a
flange 176 that couples the manifold 150 to theinner shell 40. Theflange 176 may comprise a plate of stainless steel, aluminum, plated or coated metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. Theflange 176 may be attached to portions of the elongatedhollow body 168 on each side of the bend by welding, brazing, soldering, or any other suitable method. Theflange 176 may thereby stiffen the manifold 150 with respect to forces acting parallel to a plane defined by theflange 176. - The
flange 176 may include anaperture 178 configured to receive ascrew 180 or other fastener that couples theflange 176 to abracket 182 projecting outward from theinner shell 40. Theflange 176 andbracket 182 may be configured so that when theflange 176 is coupled to thebracket 182 using thescrew 180, theinlet coupling 170 ofmanifold 150 is fluidically coupled to theoutlet 62. A gasket orwasher 184 may be located between theoutlet 62 and theinlet coupling 170 to improve sealing between theoutlet 62 andmanifold 150. Theaperture 178 offlange 176 and/or anaperture 186 in thebracket 182 may be elongated or otherwise configured to allow adjustment of the position of the manifold 150 with respect to theinner shell 40 andoutlet 62. The manifold 150 may thereby be positioned so that theinlet coupling 170 is pressed into a sealing engagement with theoutlet 62. - In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
outlet 62 andinlet coupling 170 may be configured to provide a positive mechanical attachment between the manifold 150 and theoutlet 62. For example, theoutlet 62 may include a cylindrical projection (not shown) including threads or one or more tabs defined in an internal or external surface of the projection. In this embodiment, theinlet coupling 170 may include corresponding threads or recesses configured to receive the threads or tabs of theoutlet 62. Theoutlet 62 andinlet coupling 170 ofmanifold 150 may thereby form what is commonly referred to as a bayonet-type coupling. - In this alternative embodiment of the present invention, the tabs or threads could be keyed to ensure that the manifold 150 may only be inserted into the outlet in a specific orientation, such as by, for example, making one of the tabs a different size than the other tabs. The manifold 150 may thereby be configured so that the
outlet 62 only allows theinlet coupling 170 to be inserted when the elongatedhollow body 168 is oriented at a specific angle relative to horizontal, e.g., a 45 degree or any other suitable angle. Once inserted, the manifold 150 may be rotated clockwise with respect to the viewpoint ofFIG. 15 until the elongatedhollow body 168 reaches a fully engaged position, which may occur when the elongatedhollow body 168 is in a horizontal or other desired operating position. The rotation of the manifold 150 may tighten the engagement between theinlet coupling 170 ofmanifold 150 and theoutlet 62 until a final or locked position is reached. In embodiments of the present invention in which theoutlet 62 andinlet coupling 170 are configured to provide a positive mechanical attachment, one or more of theflange 176,aperture 178,screw 180, andbracket 182 used to secure the manifold 150 may be omitted. - Advantageously, the manifold 150 may provide a mechanism for adjusting the flow of working
liquid 49 in thereservoir 18. The manifold 150 may thereby provide a more uniform distribution of the flow of the workingliquid 49 from theoutlet 62 into thereservoir 18. This uniform distribution may, in turn, result in therecirculating bath 10 having an improved temperature distribution within thereservoir 10 as compared to baths lacking themanifold 150. - The manifold 150 may also provide a level of resistance to the flow of the working
liquid 49 out of theoutlet 62. The resistance provided by the manifold 150 may increase the pressure of the working fluid at therestriction device 66. The resulting back-pressure provided by the manifold 150 may thereby reduce the pressure drop acrossrestriction device 66, with a corresponding drop in cavitation of the workingliquid 49 as the working liquid passes through therestriction device 66. This drop in cavitation may reduce the operating noise of therecirculating bath 10, and allow essentially cavitation-free operation of therecirculating bath 10 at higher temperatures and flow rates as compared to recirculating baths lacking themanifold 150.
Claims (8)
- A recirculating bath (10) comprising:a reservoir (18) including an interior surface (48) that defines a first space configured to receive a working liquid (49);a thermal element (44,56) located externally to the first space and thermally coupled to the working liquid to transfer heat between the working liquid and the thermal element; anda recirculating pump (38) located externally to the first space and fluidically coupled to the first space to circulate the working liquid through the first space,wherein the reservoir (18) includes a partition (50) that defines a first chamber (52) and a second chamber (54) within the first space, the second chamber being fluidically coupled to the first chamber, the first chamber defining a work area of the reservoir, and the recirculating pump (38) including a first inlet (60) and a first outlet (62), with the first outlet fluidically coupled to the first chamber by the second chamber,
characterised in that
the first inlet (60) is also fluidically coupled to the first chamber (52) by the second chamber (54). - The recirculating bath according to claim 1, wherein the thermal element (44) is thermally coupled to the working liquid (49) by the interior surface (48) of the reservoir.
- The recirculating bath according to claim 1, further comprising:a thermal chamber (58) external to the reservoir (18) and enclosing at least a portion of the thermal element (56), the thermal chamber being fluidically coupled to the first space by the recirculating pump (38) so that the working liquid (49) circulated through the first space by the recirculating pump passes through the thermal chamber.
- The recirculating bath according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thermal element comprises a heating element (56), and further comprising:a controller (36) operatively coupled to the heating element, the controller selectively activating the heating element so that the working liquid (49) is maintained at a desired temperature.
- The recirculating bath according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:a cooling unit (32) including a compressor (64) and an evaporator (44), the thermal element comprising at least a portion of the evaporator.
- The recirculating bath according to any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:a controller (36) configured to control operation of the recirculating bath; anda level sensor (76) operatively coupled to the controller, the level sensor being located in the second chamber (54) and providing a signal indicative of a level of the working liquid (49) to the controller.
- The recirculating bath according to any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:a lid (16) that provides access to at least a portion of the first space; anda hinge (28) having a latched state that pivotally couples the lid to the recirculating bath and an unlatched state that decouples the lid from the recirculating bath.
- The recirculating bath according to any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:a manifold (150) including a second inlet (170) configured to receive the working liquid from the recirculating pump (38), a second outlet (174) configured to discharge the working liquid into the first space, and an elongated hollow body (168) fluidically coupling the second inlet to the second outlet.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361907575P | 2013-11-22 | 2013-11-22 | |
US14/489,209 US9759451B2 (en) | 2013-11-22 | 2014-09-17 | Recirculating bath |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2875868A2 EP2875868A2 (en) | 2015-05-27 |
EP2875868A3 EP2875868A3 (en) | 2015-08-19 |
EP2875868B1 true EP2875868B1 (en) | 2019-03-06 |
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EP14193761.5A Active EP2875868B1 (en) | 2013-11-22 | 2014-11-18 | Recirculating bath |
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US (1) | US9759451B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2875868B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104646342B (en) |
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Also Published As
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CN104646342B (en) | 2020-03-24 |
EP2875868A2 (en) | 2015-05-27 |
US20150144206A1 (en) | 2015-05-28 |
US9759451B2 (en) | 2017-09-12 |
CN104646342A (en) | 2015-05-27 |
EP2875868A3 (en) | 2015-08-19 |
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